Treating Poison Ivy: How to Treat it Effectively

Exposure to poison ivy will cause symptoms such as blisters and burning rashes. Not just a nuisance, this outdoor plant is considered dangerous as well. The reactions caused by contact with poison ivy are due to a compound present in the plant called urushiol. Along with skin discomforts, this compound can severely affect your internal organs if it is ingested or you happen to inhale its vapor or ashes For these reasons, it is important to steer clear of these plants, or, when necessary, safely remove them. If you do, however, accidentally come into contact with poison ivy, there are several methods you can use in treating poison ivy.

To care for the rashes, and prevent them from spreading, wash the affected region with alcohol and flush with water. Then, to wash away the urushiol-containing oils that can affect other parts of your body, shower with soap. It is important to complete these steps in the first 10 minutes following contact with poison ivy.

Out of an abundance of caution, it is recommended that all objects that you have touched since your poison ivy exposure, be sanitized with alcohol. Rashes and blisters resulting from poison ivy will ooze, but this oozing will not cause the rashes to spread. Rashes and blisters can be treated with alcohol and water. Poison ivy symptoms may be treated using any of a variety of soothing over-the-counter creams and lotions. Two such treatments, Zanfel and Calamine lotion will diminish swelling and cause the itching to subside.

While treating poison ivy may be simple, it is always preferable to prevent exposure. Long-sleeved tops and jeans will go a long way in protecting you when you are outdoors. Educate yourself on what the plant looks like so that you can avoid areas where poison ivy is present. Investigate the areas around your home and be cautious of places that could be a refuge for poison ivy. If poison ivy is found nearby, you have the option of hiring a pest control company to remove them, or you may decide not to disturb the plants, and only caution anyone who might come into contact with them Rather than wearing protective clothing, you may choose to prevent urushiol exposure and the accompanying blisters and rashes, by purchasing one of the various lotions accessible on the market. Prior to going outdoors, apply one of these lotions to all exposed areas of the body. Even when these precautions have been taken, it is still necessary to be careful when going outside. Always be sure to be on the lookout for Poison ivy.